Created by local textile designer and founder of Guernsey Tartan, Katy Barrett, the tartan features six different colour groups, each one chosen to represent local landmarks and traditions.
It was officially launched by Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon in front of dozens of other guests at a ceremony at the National Trust’s Folk & Costume Museum at Saumarez Park.
‘Tartan is such an evocative symbol, and my aim with Guernsey Tartan is to promote the Guernsey and Scottish communities, their history and their culture while providing a physical way to preserve these memories,’ Mrs Barrett said.
Her idea for an official Guernsey tartan came about during Covid, when Guernsey shared an air bridge with the Isle of Man.
An experienced craftswoman, who is involved with the National Trust as a weaver and spinner, she was inspired by the Manx tartan upon a visit to the island, and began looking into the possibility of creating a Guernsey equivalent.
Following research and consultation with members of the Guernsey Scottish Association, Mrs Barrett developed a design which she said was inspired by Guernsey’s icons and identity.
The orange-brown colour has been chosen to reflect the Guernsey cow, while grey honours the island’s mascot, the Guernsey donkey.
Blue represents the traditional fisherman’s guernsey, green signifies the island’s sports colours, pink celebrates the Guernsey lily, and white, red and yellow echo the colours of the Guernsey flag.
‘I played around with the proportions and tried to get it looking unique, I even asked a few of my Scottish friends for their thoughts about the items I should design,’ she said.
‘They recommended not to go for kilts, so I’ve focused more on accessories and other types of clothing.’
Mrs Barrett was required to go through an official registration process with the States and the Scottish Register of Tartans in order to use Guernsey as part of the new tartan’s design.
‘I had to get permission from the government, and the Bailiff was really helpful,’ she said.
‘And then to get on the register you need a reason, and mine was to promote the links between Guernsey and Scotland.’
A stock of eight different items – which include throws, scarves and blankets – have been woven at Lochcarron, a Scottish textile mill.
Some are already at the Folk & Costume Museum, while the rest will be available on Guernsey Tartan’s new website, which goes live next week.
‘From accessories to keepsakes, these items will allow islanders and visitors to wear or own a tangible piece of Guernsey’s history,’ Mrs Barrett said.
National Trust vice-president Sara Lampitt said the trust was delighted to be working so closely with Mrs Barrett.
‘When she mentioned her plans about six months ago we were absolutely amazed.’
‘She’s an absolute master of her craft and I’m delighted for her that she’s been able to launch Guernsey Tartan at the Folk & Costume Museum, where she has done so much textile work in the past.’
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